Projects Done by USSCC

In the local area, a group of explorers has been actively searching for and cleaning up caves. One particular cave of interest is called Peg Leg Pot. During their exploration, they discovered another cave called Freda's Hole, which was blocked with wire fencing and rubbish. This discovery led them to believe that Peg Leg Pot was nearby. After returning to the area and thoroughly searching, they eventually found Peg Leg Pot hidden beneath rocks. They spent hours digging and clearing the entrance until they could enter the cave.

Peg Leg Pot consists of a muddy chamber with high-level passages and a back chamber. There are multiple small passages that quickly fill with mud. One low tunnel leads to a small middle chamber with a pool of water that overflows down a small hole, known as Nasty Crawl. Another muddy tunnel leads to the backbreaker, a chamber at the bottom of Freda's Hole, which was filled with rubbish. Daylight was visible through the wire fencing in this chamber.

During a subsequent visit, the group removed the wire and fencing from Freda's Hole and installed a wire gate over Peg Leg Pot. They also rigged the cave for a 10-meter ladder and a belay point. Freda's Hole only requires a 10-meter handline for access and egress. The group bagged up the rubbish and began the task of removing it with the help of club members.

Furthermore, the group initiated a dig in response to the sound of flowing water coming from the left side of the backbreaker. Three cavers, including a visitor from England, started the dig. They encountered mud initially, but as they progressed, they reached washed clean stone and boulders. The dig descended a little before heading under a solid rock overhang and back into the collapsed section above. The next stage will involve securing the collapse to ensure safety and splitting larger boulders for removal. The group hopes to uncover new cave passages through this ongoing dig.

In addition to the dig, the group plans to examine and study the rubbish they have collected, as it may contain historically significant items. They also express the intention to replace fencing around nearby caves that have been damaged by cavers over the years. Installing stiles at crossing points could help maintain good relations with landowners.

The group continues to provide updates on the progress of their project. During one digging session, they managed to descend a couple of meters, removing mud, boulders, and small stones. They caught a glimpse of the river but had a minor collapse that fortunately caused no injuries. They plan to return, secure the collapsing bank, and continue digging downward. They also hope to explore the left bedding plane or the right rift filled with stone, both potential avenues for new cave passages.

During a check-up in Freda's Hole, they noticed further collapse at the dig site, which may have made the area safer for work. They also ventured into Peg Leg Pot and discovered an 8 to 10-meter narrow drop pot in the back chamber, which they intend to attempt descending.

In Pollthanrees, one caver descended to a slightly flowing streamway, possibly the path where water from Freda's Hole enters the main cave system. Further exploration is required to confirm this connection, along with a dye test from Freda's Hole. They also plan to explore the narrow pot and potentially find a way back up if needed.

With the assistance of Queens Caving Club, all the wire was relocated for disposal, ensuring the cleanup effort was completed.